Menchen - Red Rock (Featuring Robert Sweet)
November 19, 2008
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The album is truly a collaboration of the most talented players in the metal scene. Bill Menchen (Titanic, The Seventh Power, Final Axe) dominates as a master on guitar, Robert Sweet (Stryper) handles drums, Tony Franklin (Whitesnake, Quiet Riot, The Firm) is one of the world’s most sought after and recognizable bassists, and vocals by the ultra-talented His Witness lead singer, Ken Redding all work together to create this stunning masterpiece! Tracks: |
Sin Dizzy “He’s Not Dead” 10th anniversary reissue!
November 14, 2008
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| Just off the heals of STRYPER came SinDizzy, formed in 1996 by Oz Fox along with former band mate Tim Gaines. SinDizzy released their self-produced, debut album in 1998. It sold well among the Christian metal fans, especially Stryper fans. However, only limited copies of the debut were ever made and sold. Now more than 10 years later, SinDizzy “He’s Not Dead” has been digitally remastered and repackaged in the very special limited second edition, complete with new artwork, Liner notes and more. Pre-Order and recieve a FREE poster autographed by none other than Oz Fox of Stryper. This offer is only available for a a limited time only and while supplies last. |
Former STRYPER bassist Tim Gaines joins TOURNIQUET for another show Nordic Fest 2008!
October 20, 2008
Christian neo-classical progressive thrash metal band TOURNIQUET has been confirmed as one of the headliners of the Nordic Fest 2008, set to take place November 13-16 at Sub Scene in Oslo, Norway. Joining TOURNIQUET for the performance will be former STRYPER bassist Tim Gaines, who previously appeared with the band at the Flevo Festival, held August 14-17, 2008.
Reconnecting With…Michael Sweet… (No Stryper shows for the rest of 2008)
August 26, 2008
For everyone who was wondering what the rest of the year might hold for Stryper, Michael has said in a reset interview posted online today that there will be no new Stryper shows for 2008. Here is the quote I’m going home from the Boston tour September 1, and I requested from Stryper’s management that they don’t book any shows for the rest of this year. I’m just going to stay with my wife and take the next year as it comes.”
Below is the complete interview.
Posted 08/26/08 on Christian Music Planet:
Former Stryper front man Michael Sweet reflects on the inspiration behind his latest album and his current tour with Boston.
Even though he’s always been associated with major bands—first ’80s metal trailblazers Stryper and now as co-vocalist with the newly reconvened Boston on this summer’s arena tour—Michael Sweet’s kept a steady eye on his solo career. Though jump-started in the early ’90s after Stryper’s original hiatus, it maintained steady steam through that act’s reunion at the tip of the 2000s and continues through today. Yet, the brand-new individual offering, Touched, is a complete anomaly when compared to any of the singer’s other projects, not just because of a stripped-down approach, but due to its series of covers dedicated to his wife Kyle (who’s bravely battling stage four ovarian cancer).
“When I was taking care of her during her first treatment, and she would spend a lot of time resting, I would go down [to my studio] and record for an hour,” says Sweet of the project’s genesis. “I basically just recorded a bunch of songs as a love letter to her, which I originally planned on just presenting [privately] to her. But it turned into something she wanted to be available to people, so I [released it online] and then got a distribution deal. What was just a record for her fortunately became something that a lot of people were touched by as well.”
Those expecting all out rock ‘n’ roll won’t find much on this outing, but Sweet’s remarkable range is in tact as he lovingly remakes several familiar favorites. Though not necessarily cut by Christian artists originally, the singer is using tracks like “You Are So Beautiful,” “She’s Got a Way,” “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” and “The Rose” to display his marital covenant of unconditional love, which has in turn inspired other couples across the entertainer’s vast listening audience.
Visit michaelsweet.com for more info.
“We’ve received several emails [from people] saying how these songs have touched them and helped restore their relationship with their husband or wife,” he verifies. “It’s really affected a lot of people as far as love for one another and gaining strength in relationships, which it was never really intended for, but it’s really neat how things like that work out.”
Aside from restoring others, he hopes Touched will showcase the family’s firm faith in a time of crisis, while also prompting prayer from fellow believers over this delicate situation. Though touring has scaled back considerably since Kyle’s diagnosis, Sweet currently has Boston shows on the books through the end of August.
“We talk about it every day, but she’s insisted that I be here [on the road], and she wouldn’t have it any other way,” adds Sweet. “In fact, she wouldn’t let me come home if I wanted because she feels like cancer has taken so much, and she doesn’t want to take away this. It feels odd to be away from her, but I have her blessing and call home all the time. I’m going home from the Boston tour September 1, and I requested from Stryper’s management that they don’t book any shows for the rest of this year. I’m just going to stay with my wife and take the next year as it comes.”
AC - The Top 10 Christian Hard-Rock/Metal Bands of the 1980s
August 22, 2008
By R.E. Norton, published Aug 21, 2008
[link]
1.) Stryper Their name, which stands for Salvation Through Redemption, Yielding Peace, Encouragement and Righteousness, is taken from Isaiah 53:5 (…by His stripes we are healed). This Orange County quartet formed in 1983, signed with Enigma Records, a secular label which had signed bands ranging from Poison to Slayer, and released their debut record, The Yellow & Black Attack, in 1984. Stryper often found themselves at the center of controversy during the 80’s, drawing heavy criticism from Christians and non-Christians alike over their glam rock image, their yellow and black spandex outfits (Pat Boone, a supporter of the group, once jokingly referred to them as “Bumblebees for Christ”), or their willingness to blend heavy metal music with Christianity, two seemingly incompatible worlds.
The band released five studio albums between 1984 and 1990. Three of those records-The Yellow & Black Attack, Soldiers Under Command and In God We Trust–attained gold record status (sales of 500,000 units or more) while 1986’s To Hell with the Devil became the first Christian rock/metal album to reach platinum status. They competed head-to-head daily with secular counterparts Bon Jovi and Poison on MTV’s request program Dial MTV from 1987 through 1988. Stryper disbanded in 1992 and the band members pursued separate ministries until reuniting briefly at a fan-organized Stryper Expo in 1999. The four original members reunited and went on tour in 2003. With bassist Tracy Ferrie replacing Timothy Gaines, Stryper released Reborn, their first studio album in fifteen years, 2005. Michael Sweet continues to minister through music both as the lead singer of Stryper and as a solo artist. The group is currently recording a new album slated for release in early 2009.
Read the rest of the list at the AC
Update on Kyle Sweet from Michael! Please Read & Pray!
August 8, 2008
Hello Everyone,
I’m here with Kyle at Brigham and Womens Hospital (8/8, 10:00 am) and they are prepping her for desensitization to Carbo-Platin. Kyle had an allergic reaction to Carbo with her last treatment and it was actually working quite well. Since her cancer responded so well to this particular drug, she is now in the ICU and they will administer small amounts of this drug. If there is a reaction, they will then administer drugs to counteract the allergic reaction. I’ll be here with her until 12:00 and then I fly to Glen Allen to perform tonight. This is a very difficult time for us and we’re asking for prayer, specifically for this process to go as planned and to work perfectly so Kyle can continue receiving Carbo. She’s very concerned due to the first allergic reaction on 7/17. We’re both faithful and we continue to be hopeful as well. There are 3 weeks left to the tour. I ask that you pray for strength and encouragement as we walk through the times ahead. It is comforting to be able to come here and ask for prayer and to know that many of you have been and will continue to do so. We’re grateful and thankful!
Always,
Michael
In God We Trust retro style t-shirt now available!
August 6, 2008
I have just learned that Stryper / Choice Merchandise is going to re-release a version of the In God We Trust concert t-shirt. When made available it can be found by clicking the “Official Store” link in the top menu. UPDATED NOW AVAILABLE! The cover art is slightly altered and printed on the front of a 100% cotton black t-shirt. The back features “In God We Trust Tour: 1988-1989″ printed in red with the official tour dates in yellow.
Price $16.99
They are also planning on releasing a few retro T-Shirt / CD packages. Price unknown
Now available as well. Price $24.99
Honestly (Greatest Hits) Video Released On iTunes!
August 4, 2008
Stryper have released the video Honestly on iTunes. The video is a live video that was taken from the Greatest Hits, Live in Puerto Rico DVD released in 2007. It marks the first time a video from Stryper has been made available on iTunes. Cost $1.99 Runtime 4:16 (55.3MB) Download it today! 
Stryper Frontman Michael Sweet Joins Legendary Rock Band BOSTON on Tour 8/1/08
August 1, 2008
(Photo Credit: Andy Argyrakis, Charter One Pavilion in Chicago - July 23, 2008 )
(NASHVILLE, TENN.) — Stryper frontman and accomplished solo artist Michael Sweet is touring with the legendary band BOSTON this summer on a headlining tour of North America. Sweet is sharing lead vocals and playing guitar, performing the band’s classic hits like “More than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” “Amanda” and “Don’t Look Back.” Boston has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, including the band’s 1976 self-titled debut which has sold over 17 million copies to date, and was the highest selling debut of all time.
The tour kicked off in Thunder Bay, Ontario on June 6th, and will take the band to 54 cities throughout the USA and Canada before wrapping up in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 31st. Joining Boston on the tour is equally legendary rock band Styx.
“The tour has been a breath of fresh air and yet so surreal,” says Michael Sweet. “I’m standing next to Tom Scholz, trading guitar solos and having the time of my life. Boston is such a big part of my musical background and this music helped shape who I am as an artist, writer, producer and musician. It truly is ‘More Than a Feeling!’”
Prior to the commencement of the 2008 Boston tour, Stryper put the finishing touches on a brand new studio record to be released in 2009 and titled “Murder By Pride.” The album will include a cover of the Boston song “Peace of Mind” that features Boston guitarist Tom Scholz on the recording. Ironically, Stryper had recorded “Peace of Mind” and planned to put it on their 2009 release long before Michael Sweet was even considered as a new member of Boston. Stryper’s “Peace of Mind” featuring Tom Scholz is now available on iTunes and other digital stores.
With Stryper, Sweet has sold more than 8 million albums worldwide. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album “To Hell with the Devil” went platinum and was named one of the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM Magazine.
“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a member of Boston,” adds Sweet. “I feel that it’s a new chapter in my life and I also feel that it’s part of Gods plan upon my life at this time. My wife Kyle has been so supportive and it’s quite astonishing - I couldn’t do this without her.”
Michael Sweet interview 7/30/08
July 30, 2008
By Christopher John Treacy
Boston Herald
In the wake of last year’s suicide of Brad Delp, beloved singer and co-founder of the band Boston, things looked bleak for the storied group, whose 1976 self-titled album remains rock’s best-selling debut ever with more than 17 million copies sold.
Last Aug. 19, musicians, fans and well-wishers gathered at the Bank of America Pavilion for what was understood to be Boston’s last performance, organized in Delp’s honor. Among them was Michael Sweet, longtime fan and leader of the Grammy-nominated Christian metal outfit, Stryper.
Now Boston, - including founder Tom Scholz, 61, is back on the road this summer, packing venues across the country including a hometown show at Mansfield’s Comcast Center on Sunday. Vocal duties are being split between Sweet and fellow newbie Tommy DeCarlo, a die-hard fan and Home Depot credit manager who hit the jackpot with his audition.
We caught up with Sweet recently, and got the lowdown on the tour.
Herald: How did this tour come about?
Sweet: The rehearsals and ensuing show last August came off so well, afterwards Tom asked me if I would consider singing with the band were they ever to tour again. But I was floored at how quickly it came together. Boston’s known for long breaks between projects, so when I got the call six months later I couldn’t believe it.
Why the sudden change of heart?
All I can say is that a lot of healing took place at that tribute concert last year. Tom was deeply saddened by losing Brad, but you could tell he also experienced a great deal of joy getting together with other people and celebrating the music left behind.
Does being part of Boston compromise your faith at all? Are you channeling your inner bad boy?
I haven’t felt that yet, no. Believe it or not, Boston isn’t your typical rock scene with groupies, girls and drugs backstage. We’ve got a vegetarian chef, and lifestyle-wise it’s as normal and boring as it gets.
Is it daunting, walking into a situation like this with an established audience that’s bound to be opinionated about a new member?
It does feel odd, but not in a negative way. I’ve been a fan from the beginning, but my roots are so different - Stryper comes from the flashy ’80s borderline metal scene, big hair and all that. I perform differently than Boston does. I run around onstage and put a lot of energy into the showmanship, sometimes I worry that it’s too much. But I’m truly blessed with this opportunity, and the fan reactions to my stage presence has been overwhelmingly positive, so I must be doing something right.